After the UNCA crew!
Before....Monday, March 10, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Back to Reality
At 8 am this morning the bus pulled into Asheville. With sleepy eyes and a week behind us we filed to our cars and rooms. Tomorrow we will go back to class and to the mundane activities that are part of our daily lives. Yet, we will never forget the things that were part of our lives for the last week. We accomplished what very few in New Orleans have accomplished. We helped to seal a house in two weeks. Close to 8 houses out of over 100 that have already been built have claimed this achievement. What started out as a an unclear sea of 2 by 4's now is one step closer to becoming a home. For 5 days, it was all that we could think about. What was the task that was going to be accomplished next, how were we going to see our progress today? Often prying ourselves off of the house at the end of the day, we came to see the fruits of our labor in the smile and compassion of our homeowner. His presence on the worksite everyday, the food and drinks he provided, gave us motivation to work faster.
At the end of the week, we had a house with distinctive walls, decipherable rooms, a roof with shingles, a tveked exterior, and full hearts. We came out of the trip with new friends and lots of memories. We saw the destruction of Mother Nature, the ignorance of humanity and the beauty of humankind all in one week. We were one of the smallest schools and yet we were the largest team. We were part of one of the largest volunteer movements in America. We didn't give up our spring break to work, we made a difference in our country by helping to shape a world in which we want to live. That doesn't take work, it takes love and compassion for our fellow humans.
I would like to thank the other 46 team members that joined for this awesome week. May our example lead others to follow in our footsteps....
Megan
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Final Day
We are scheduled to leave in an hour and a half, and for the first time this week I feel somewhat capable of trying to put into words what this trip has meant for me. I have been to New Orleans many times, but never after Katrina until now; I was not expecting what we found upon arriving. On Monday, driving through neigborhoods that were devastated during both the hurricane and the flooding, I was shocked and outraged to see a city in our country, over two and a half years after the storm, in such poor conditions. Many commented on how it looked like the storm could have hit just one month ago. The shock of seeing such poor conditions here has made working, being just a tiny part of the relief effort, so much more valuable. I wish I could have done more, and I wish I had come much sooner.
The week has been full of hard sights. We drove past hundreds of people living in tents underneath a bridge, people who had homes before Katrina and now have nothing. We met people who were directly affected by Katrina, heard their stories, saw their pictures...Everyday we passed house after house with a cross on each door, telling the number of bodies found within the homes, still there as constant reminders of what was lost to the disaster. So many times I have wondered how this could have happened to our country, but more importantly, how have we continued to let this happen.
I could try to continue, to convey how many times I looked at the house that I helped build and was filled with a sense of pride and devotion to this cause, or try to convey the number of times that I have cried on behalf of those that were so hurt and lost from all of this, or try to convey how much I want to graduate in May and turn right around and come back, but my own, personal experience is not what was important about this trip. I hope all of the students who came were affected by what they saw, and inspired to do more good in the future. I hope that the families who will move into the houses we built will love their new homes, and I hope that many other, less fortunate ones will also be able to move into houses of their own. I hope, more than anything else, that I can inspire others who did not come on this trip to come, at some point, to see the state of one of our own cities, and step up to help. Several people were suprised to hear that I was going on this trip, and asked "Why are you giving up your spring break to do hard, strenous work instead of relaxing somewhere and having fun?" To this, I reply that in no way have I "given up" my break; I went somewhere that needed help, learned how to build a house, met many new people, cried a lot, laughed a lot, and return to Asheville with many wonderful memories of my last spring break ever in college. I am proud of myself, and I am proud of those who have contributed to helping those who have suffered so much.
The week has been full of hard sights. We drove past hundreds of people living in tents underneath a bridge, people who had homes before Katrina and now have nothing. We met people who were directly affected by Katrina, heard their stories, saw their pictures...Everyday we passed house after house with a cross on each door, telling the number of bodies found within the homes, still there as constant reminders of what was lost to the disaster. So many times I have wondered how this could have happened to our country, but more importantly, how have we continued to let this happen.
I could try to continue, to convey how many times I looked at the house that I helped build and was filled with a sense of pride and devotion to this cause, or try to convey the number of times that I have cried on behalf of those that were so hurt and lost from all of this, or try to convey how much I want to graduate in May and turn right around and come back, but my own, personal experience is not what was important about this trip. I hope all of the students who came were affected by what they saw, and inspired to do more good in the future. I hope that the families who will move into the houses we built will love their new homes, and I hope that many other, less fortunate ones will also be able to move into houses of their own. I hope, more than anything else, that I can inspire others who did not come on this trip to come, at some point, to see the state of one of our own cities, and step up to help. Several people were suprised to hear that I was going on this trip, and asked "Why are you giving up your spring break to do hard, strenous work instead of relaxing somewhere and having fun?" To this, I reply that in no way have I "given up" my break; I went somewhere that needed help, learned how to build a house, met many new people, cried a lot, laughed a lot, and return to Asheville with many wonderful memories of my last spring break ever in college. I am proud of myself, and I am proud of those who have contributed to helping those who have suffered so much.
The Last Day
Today was our last day of our spring break in New Orleans. I'm not even sure I can accurately describe how wonderful this experience has been. I've been on Habitat trips before, but this one was different. At our job site, led by a 23 year old Habitat construction leader, we saw a cinder block foundation and a maze of wooden frames become a house.
It's amazing the work that 50 college students can do. To everyone from UNCA who came on this trip, I am in complete awe of you guys. This week, I've seen students operating chop saws and circular saws, balancing on unstable beams 20 feet in the air, and nailing walls into place. We've all become masters at some task in homebuilding. I, personally, am a master shingle-er and truss secure-er. And to think, I was terrified to be on the top of an 8 foot ladder the first day. My mom would be horrified to know that my feet were on solid ground for only a total of about an hour every work day. But the sweat, the cold, the rain, the hammered thumbs, the splinters and the sunburn were utterly worth knowing that a family is going to have a home because of us and others like us.
Aaron, our leader, gave a speech at the end of the workday today that got me thinking (which, by the way, we had to practically tear people off the roof to get them to stop working). He was talking about this volunteer movement that we all seem to have been swept up in. Sure, many of the young adults in our generation are more focused on partying than working, but aside from our faculty supervisor, Greg, no one working at our site was over the age of 25. That is amazing. The youth of our generation are active, are sympathetic, are energetic and eager to help and make a difference. What more can you really ask for?
I guess to close it all out, I have to say that this is not an ending. Many of us are already searching for the time to make our own trip down here, (Camp Hope is not just for school groups! Come down and bring your friends for 22 dollars a night!!!). As I write this from the Camp Hope hangout room, I see other students on spring break just arriving and preparing for a week of work. What they don't know yet, however, is that in the process of getting down and dirty in the Louisiana sun, they are going to be directly changing someone's life. That being said, for everyone reading this, please keep our homeowner, Julius, in your thoughts and prayers because in a few weeks, after two and a half years of waiting, he and his family will be moving into a house -- their house -- and I am absolutely honored to have helped.
Lynn Dodge
P.s. I have to say a special thank you to Greg, our faculty supervisor. You were such a wonderful and positive influence on this trip. Your support at the worksite, at camp and downtown did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by anyone. Thank you.
It's amazing the work that 50 college students can do. To everyone from UNCA who came on this trip, I am in complete awe of you guys. This week, I've seen students operating chop saws and circular saws, balancing on unstable beams 20 feet in the air, and nailing walls into place. We've all become masters at some task in homebuilding. I, personally, am a master shingle-er and truss secure-er. And to think, I was terrified to be on the top of an 8 foot ladder the first day. My mom would be horrified to know that my feet were on solid ground for only a total of about an hour every work day. But the sweat, the cold, the rain, the hammered thumbs, the splinters and the sunburn were utterly worth knowing that a family is going to have a home because of us and others like us.
Aaron, our leader, gave a speech at the end of the workday today that got me thinking (which, by the way, we had to practically tear people off the roof to get them to stop working). He was talking about this volunteer movement that we all seem to have been swept up in. Sure, many of the young adults in our generation are more focused on partying than working, but aside from our faculty supervisor, Greg, no one working at our site was over the age of 25. That is amazing. The youth of our generation are active, are sympathetic, are energetic and eager to help and make a difference. What more can you really ask for?
I guess to close it all out, I have to say that this is not an ending. Many of us are already searching for the time to make our own trip down here, (Camp Hope is not just for school groups! Come down and bring your friends for 22 dollars a night!!!). As I write this from the Camp Hope hangout room, I see other students on spring break just arriving and preparing for a week of work. What they don't know yet, however, is that in the process of getting down and dirty in the Louisiana sun, they are going to be directly changing someone's life. That being said, for everyone reading this, please keep our homeowner, Julius, in your thoughts and prayers because in a few weeks, after two and a half years of waiting, he and his family will be moving into a house -- their house -- and I am absolutely honored to have helped.
Lynn Dodge
P.s. I have to say a special thank you to Greg, our faculty supervisor. You were such a wonderful and positive influence on this trip. Your support at the worksite, at camp and downtown did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by anyone. Thank you.
Friday, March 7, 2008
I just wanted to comment on Hunter Weaver's great contributions to our group! We were putting in the siding pretty much all week and here he is, tall and strong ready to conquer to world and help out with anything and everyone. Whenever we couldn't do something, the first thing anyone would say was "where's Hunter?" It was a great pleasure seeing how everyone found their niche in the work that we did, so we could be the most efficient.
Another cool part of today was eating King's cake...mmm! The homeowner came by with food for an army and it was delicious, and she kept repeating and repeating how thankful she was - it was so wonderful to see the direct impact that we are having and how appreciated our help is
Go Henry Conick Jr. group booya
-Sara Papathakis-
Another cool part of today was eating King's cake...mmm! The homeowner came by with food for an army and it was delicious, and she kept repeating and repeating how thankful she was - it was so wonderful to see the direct impact that we are having and how appreciated our help is
Go Henry Conick Jr. group booya
-Sara Papathakis-
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Day four - Another productive day is at an end
I continue to be humbled daily by the efforts and accomplishments of our students that surrounded me and that I am privileged to work with. These are truly special people and have represented UNC Asheville very very well.
Today was another highly successful day at all three work sites. Megan Graham continues to do a spectacular job at the Walkers location, while Erin Ball is equally efficient and outstanding at both Decatur sites. I continue to be amazed at the compassion, work ethics and desire for excellence exhibited by all our students. Both yesterday and today were filled with examples of personal courage and selfless service. The senior Americops staff member at Walkers has continually praised everyone for their motivation, skills and desire for excellence. He stated that our UNC Asheville students have out-performed every other group this year, been more motivated and approached each task with a genuine desire to do any and every task necessary. All three locations have daily exceeded their respective work plans and pushed each and every project forward by days. Each and every student is now working independently on projects and our Habitat and Americorps coordinators are working on separate projects during the day.
I am amazed by the cooperation and willingness to push personal boundaries by every student present this year. Individuals with a fear of heights are climbing ladders, lifting and placing sheathing boards and nailing them in from a height of 25 feet. Others are crossing trusses as easily as they would cross sidewalks on campus to nail in cross beams, place blocks and other timber. The remaining students are performing the countless tasks necessary to ready the buildings for roofing, siding and interior work. Everyone student has eagerly asked for additional work and when asked, has replied in a self-deprecating manner to say that their efforts were minor at best. The Walkers group met Jerrius (the future home owner) both yesterday and today. He, his fiancée and daughters were very appreciative of everyone's efforts and could not give enough thanks to everyone. He provides ice cold water and soda today for everyone, greatly appreciative on a warm day!
Each and every student has had a personal accomplishment over both days that deserves personal comment, I only wish that I had the opportunity to record them. I am very confident in saying that the future of our University and culture if these students could be considered the norm for their peers.
We went into New Orleans today and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience the NOLA culture and un-wind just a bit. The entire groups was singing on the return trip, as well as extolling the efforts of the men's basketball team! Go Dog's.
It seems that we have only arrived, yet all three work sites attest to the fact that we arrive and set the standard high for accomplishment! Students volunteer daily to help Americops staff serve meals. The HFH staff have often commented that they wish it were possible that UNC Asheville students could come each and every month.
The efforts of our students have ensured that the residents of St Bernard Parrish know that they are not forgotten and that people are still willing and able to assist them in recovering their lives.
Greg Dillingham
UNCA Staff representative
Today was another highly successful day at all three work sites. Megan Graham continues to do a spectacular job at the Walkers location, while Erin Ball is equally efficient and outstanding at both Decatur sites. I continue to be amazed at the compassion, work ethics and desire for excellence exhibited by all our students. Both yesterday and today were filled with examples of personal courage and selfless service. The senior Americops staff member at Walkers has continually praised everyone for their motivation, skills and desire for excellence. He stated that our UNC Asheville students have out-performed every other group this year, been more motivated and approached each task with a genuine desire to do any and every task necessary. All three locations have daily exceeded their respective work plans and pushed each and every project forward by days. Each and every student is now working independently on projects and our Habitat and Americorps coordinators are working on separate projects during the day.
I am amazed by the cooperation and willingness to push personal boundaries by every student present this year. Individuals with a fear of heights are climbing ladders, lifting and placing sheathing boards and nailing them in from a height of 25 feet. Others are crossing trusses as easily as they would cross sidewalks on campus to nail in cross beams, place blocks and other timber. The remaining students are performing the countless tasks necessary to ready the buildings for roofing, siding and interior work. Everyone student has eagerly asked for additional work and when asked, has replied in a self-deprecating manner to say that their efforts were minor at best. The Walkers group met Jerrius (the future home owner) both yesterday and today. He, his fiancée and daughters were very appreciative of everyone's efforts and could not give enough thanks to everyone. He provides ice cold water and soda today for everyone, greatly appreciative on a warm day!
Each and every student has had a personal accomplishment over both days that deserves personal comment, I only wish that I had the opportunity to record them. I am very confident in saying that the future of our University and culture if these students could be considered the norm for their peers.
We went into New Orleans today and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to experience the NOLA culture and un-wind just a bit. The entire groups was singing on the return trip, as well as extolling the efforts of the men's basketball team! Go Dog's.
It seems that we have only arrived, yet all three work sites attest to the fact that we arrive and set the standard high for accomplishment! Students volunteer daily to help Americops staff serve meals. The HFH staff have often commented that they wish it were possible that UNC Asheville students could come each and every month.
The efforts of our students have ensured that the residents of St Bernard Parrish know that they are not forgotten and that people are still willing and able to assist them in recovering their lives.
Greg Dillingham
UNCA Staff representative
Popsicles and Tents
I had a great day at the job site and we got a lot done today. Not only did we get to help build a house, work with some pretty sweet volunteers and help out in New Orleans; but we also got a visit from the ice cream truck. After lunch our team took a lovely little break to run towards the music-playing-truck of frozen goodies. We also got a gift of oranges from Jonathan, the neighbor down the street. Then later that afternoon the owners-to-be stopped by and dropped off some blood oranges with the stems and leaves still attached. By the end of the work day I think we all agreed that it had been a most successful day.
"Downtown, things will be great when you're downtown."
After work we rushed back to the compound to take showers before we got our first chance to hit downtown a la noche. We piled on the bus at 5 pm and tried to leave a couple people behind, but they ran and caught up. Once downtown most of us went to the famous Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets. What we didn't expect to get at the Cafe was Criss Angel MindFreak who was shooting an episode of his strange magic show.
Enough of downtown, I wanted to make a plug for the absolute devastation that still exists in New Orleans. Driving to and from the job sites and downtown we've seen so many houses that can't be described with words because they are still in such disrepair. On the way back from town tonight, we saw tents and bedrolls set up next to the highway and underneath an overpass. To be cliché, it really hits home to see this kind of poverty and meet the people who have been impacted by something like Katrina. Steve, our bus driver, drove us into the Lower 9th Ward to see ground zero. Many of the houses were gone and Steve explained to us that the state had seized most of the property, only to turn around and sell it to the highest bidder rather than try and rebuild the community. There's a reason people always say these kind of trips really mean something to them and that they gain a better understanding about certain problems in the world. I think it was said best by something we saw spray painted on a building, "Wealth in the face of poverty is an assault on our humanity."
-Molly
"Downtown, things will be great when you're downtown."
After work we rushed back to the compound to take showers before we got our first chance to hit downtown a la noche. We piled on the bus at 5 pm and tried to leave a couple people behind, but they ran and caught up. Once downtown most of us went to the famous Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets. What we didn't expect to get at the Cafe was Criss Angel MindFreak who was shooting an episode of his strange magic show.
Enough of downtown, I wanted to make a plug for the absolute devastation that still exists in New Orleans. Driving to and from the job sites and downtown we've seen so many houses that can't be described with words because they are still in such disrepair. On the way back from town tonight, we saw tents and bedrolls set up next to the highway and underneath an overpass. To be cliché, it really hits home to see this kind of poverty and meet the people who have been impacted by something like Katrina. Steve, our bus driver, drove us into the Lower 9th Ward to see ground zero. Many of the houses were gone and Steve explained to us that the state had seized most of the property, only to turn around and sell it to the highest bidder rather than try and rebuild the community. There's a reason people always say these kind of trips really mean something to them and that they gain a better understanding about certain problems in the world. I think it was said best by something we saw spray painted on a building, "Wealth in the face of poverty is an assault on our humanity."
-Molly
A roof, karoke and some thunder
All the tresses are hung on the house and the roof sheeting went up today. We are hoping to have some shingles down before we head out of town on Saturday. The work is getting tedious but the team keeps on trucking.
We got to take a tour of the lower ninth ward where the storm hit the hardest today. Consisting mostly of concrete slaps, the neighborhoods were so depressing. We did see some signs of hope as Deltec homes and Extreme Makeover will be building houses on one of the streets. Some of the remaining houses however looked like they were probably left. Words couldnt describe it
On a higher note (badaching) the senerade that we recieved on the bus ride back tonight made the trip. Some of us found this little Irish pub where were able to watch the UNCA game. It was the only place we could get it in the French Quarter. It was awesome.
We are now experiencing severe thunderstorms for the second night in a row. Every meteorologists dream. I am off to watch some lightning before I crash. Stay tuned for lots more updates tommorrow!!
I know that I can't believe that we have only one night left!
Megan
We got to take a tour of the lower ninth ward where the storm hit the hardest today. Consisting mostly of concrete slaps, the neighborhoods were so depressing. We did see some signs of hope as Deltec homes and Extreme Makeover will be building houses on one of the streets. Some of the remaining houses however looked like they were probably left. Words couldnt describe it
On a higher note (badaching) the senerade that we recieved on the bus ride back tonight made the trip. Some of us found this little Irish pub where were able to watch the UNCA game. It was the only place we could get it in the French Quarter. It was awesome.
We are now experiencing severe thunderstorms for the second night in a row. Every meteorologists dream. I am off to watch some lightning before I crash. Stay tuned for lots more updates tommorrow!!
I know that I can't believe that we have only one night left!
Megan
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Wednesday Already!
It seems like we just arrived, but already we've done so much! Our UNC Asheville team has been divided between three houses, all at various states of building. Our team had the incredible fortune of having the future residents stop by today, as well as a local resident who offered us cold drinks and ice cream! It was a welcome surprise and a great way to cool off and get an afternoon burst of energy on such a sunny day - there wasn't a cloud in the sky all day. We are so excited about the drive and energy of our group, there were hammers flying until the last minute of the day. If the bus had not come, I am sure that we would have worked until sundown!
We had planned to go back into New Orleans this evening, but that has been postponed until Thursday - hopefully we will be able to catch the basketball game downtown (go bulldogs!). For now, we are heading to the Camp Hope Talent Show!!
We had planned to go back into New Orleans this evening, but that has been postponed until Thursday - hopefully we will be able to catch the basketball game downtown (go bulldogs!). For now, we are heading to the Camp Hope Talent Show!!
Another Awesome Day
With the sun shining and the temperature in the 60s today was another awesome day! Our house has come sooo far. The Trusses were placed on the roof and about a quarter of them were put up. All the sheathing is put up on the outside, almost all the windows are cut out and we have started blocking the inside. It really looks a house now. Our team has been working so well together and it is all just so exciting.
This morning I got the opportunity to speak with Eugene. He is the brother of the homeowner. I got to briefily speak with him about evacuating and how people treated him. He also told me about how the area had 9 schools and was now down to 2. He also shared with me that most of the kids in the area drop out in the 9th grade and so the parish is going to be building a school just for 9th graders because there are so many 9th graders. I asked him what most of them did afterwards and he said they either go to work or just hang out. Eugene is going to community college to get his general education requirements so that he can then transfer to Loyola and then go to grad school. It was really nice to hear that. He sat in a metal chair watching us most of the day and we ended up eating lunch with him. Eugene also told me about his evacuation during the storm and what it was like to live in Houston for months. He said that the people were so not compassionate and he said that he couldn't get out of there faster.
After lunch, Julius, Eugenes brother came by the house. He is the homeowner. My heart was really touched. He wanted to make sure that we were fed and had more than enough water. He wanted to make sure that he met the team and all he kept saying is thank you. Eugene had told me that there would be four children and Julius and his fiance living in the house. Julius brought the four year old with him today and she was soo cute. There is just something so powerful about the whole experience. I spent a lot of time on the chopsaw today which is always a whole lot of fun and used the saws-all to cut holes for the 2 by 4s in the tresses.
The progress each day provides so much motivation to keep going the next day. While we know that we will not be done with the whole house by the end of the week, we will definitely be that much closer to the end. We have come so far in just 2 days. It is going to be sad to leave on Saturday.
Megan G.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Today was really productive for the Bulldog crew here in New Orleans. We had some hiccups in the morning but that is to be expected with an organization this size, and once we got to the site evertything flowed like water. I haven't done any carpentry in years and today I remembered how satisfying it can be. What a simple yet beatiful practice for the mind and body constructing a home can be. I love the smell of the wood, the sound of the saw chewing though it, but especially the off time rhythm of children with hammers. We worked on a house here in St. Bernard that had the foundation, outer walls, and some of the inner walls in place. Tomorrow we will set trusses that will frame the roof.
I just remembered that I bled on one of the walls today. I had cut myself and didn't realize it until I saw streakes of red on the board I was hammering in place. As gross as this might seem to some, I found it poetic. I came down here and gave my blood and nothing could seem more natural. I'm not special. This is not extrordinary. People take care of each other every day and all of us understand the importance of community. It can be easy to forget and often is, but it's there holding us together. I say this because I get a feeling from the rest of the volunteers here of casual acceptance. Being here and helping people in need is what makes sense...simple.
I just remembered that I bled on one of the walls today. I had cut myself and didn't realize it until I saw streakes of red on the board I was hammering in place. As gross as this might seem to some, I found it poetic. I came down here and gave my blood and nothing could seem more natural. I'm not special. This is not extrordinary. People take care of each other every day and all of us understand the importance of community. It can be easy to forget and often is, but it's there holding us together. I say this because I get a feeling from the rest of the volunteers here of casual acceptance. Being here and helping people in need is what makes sense...simple.
Day Two - Many Good Things Happened Today
After a bit of confusion this morning regarding our work site, we arrived at two work sites that had masonry and outer foundation work already completed. This allowed both groups to immediately begin putting hammer to nail and chop saw to wood!
Our groups will continue at both sites all week and there is a very good chance that all exterior work will be completed this week! :-) The teamwork displayed at the Walker Street location was inspiring and everyone pitched in to ensure that the day's tasks were finished. We actually expended all the materials and supplies allocated for today, but will only need a very minimal amount to get on track Wednesday. Everyone's motivation is outstanding and I am sure that the positive feedback will ensure a full complement of volunteers next year.
It was inspiring to see Hally and Caki straddling 2x4's to storm proof walls, Billy going from team to team providing outstanding construction/carpentry knowledge, the patience displayed by Jarris in correcting the slightly warped frames and barely bent nails that popped up everywhere, Michelle and Katie using a chop saw, and everyone else who worked hard today that I cannot detail as I have not learned everyone's name yet.
I look forward to a highly productive week and know that this group will accomplish everything expected of them and more. During our in-processing this morning, the UNC Asheville group was larger and more motivated than our counterparts from NC State University, UNC Charlotte and Boston College.
The bond and personal interest from everyone seems to be growing each and every day. These are truly a very special group of people who will continue making a positive impact on humanity!
Greg Dillingham
UNC Asheville Staff Representative
Immersed in Hammer and Nails
Today was our first official work day for the week. We worked in St. Bernards Parish where the houses are paid for by the United Arab Emirates. Because they are paid for, they are built on sights of the homeowners old homes, which is really cool. The group i was with made a lot of progress. Hurricane straps, press board, Bon Jovi and monkey like behavior were all part of the day. One of my favorite parts of the day, was when you listened carefully you could hear all the hammers singing and sometimes they were really synchronized. It was a beatiful sound. There was also much instant gratification as we could visibly see the house becoming closed in by press board and the number of hurricane strips going up. We also put up three walls. While i know that my arm will be very sore tommorrow, I can't wait to see the progress continue. Tomorrow is the trellis and we will begin roofing.
During the lunch hour, we were able to take a stroll through the neigborhood and see the some of the leftover devastation and talk to some of the residents. One lady who spoke with us for a length of time grew up in the parish and told us about how safe it was, she also told us how she was very very afraid to go into downtown New Orleans. It was interesting hearing it from someone who lived hear their whole lives. We also got to meet the brother of the person whose house we were building. He told us that he and his two brothers all lived within five houses of each other. I am hoping he will come around again tomorrow and we will get to speak with him somemore! Below I have posted a picture of the group getting a saw lesson from Jesse one of the Americorp members. I got to use the saws all and the chop saw today!! Which made my day!!!
-Megan
Master Strapper
So today our group was split in two. Half of us went to work on siding for two houses, and the other half (the half I was in) went to work on one of 50 houses financed by Saudi Arabia. When we got there the house didn't have strappings (metal straps that are nailed across joints and beams), walls (for closets), or presswood. The house has all of that now and I have to say, I have never felt more accomplished in my life. Props to Lynn Dodge for sitting on a beam at the top of the house for the entire day trying to nail in a reluctant board. She was frustrated but wouldn't come down until she finished. A lot of us have talked about how we are so glad that we have at least some knowledge of how building something works. Personally, I have my dad to thank for "making" me help him on all those household projects. Our feet, arms, backs, wrists, heads (Halley is sorry, Mensur!), ankles, legs, etc, are sore. And we're pretty hungry. But I think I can speak for most of us when I say that we could have stayed out there and worked until it was dark. At only three days in, this trip has already opened my eyes to so many things that are wrong with the world, yet so many people who make it right. It makes me feel good to know that there are mass amounts of people who really do care. Peace!! -Michelle Barbeau-
Monday, March 3, 2008
Monday
As a senior I am very glad I decided to participate in the Spring Break trip to New Orleans because it's been an enjoyable and eye opening experience thus far! I started the day at 6 am and by 7 I had eaten a warm breakfast of eggs and bacon and I was helping "Team Red 7" clean up in the kitchen! Two other UNCA students and I listened to some lovely tunes from the overhead speakers in the kitchen and danced while we washed dishes for a solid hour. Our volunteer help earned us a free pass to the front of the next meal line and it felt wonderful and fulfilling to know that our help contributed to the completion of the cleaning requirements of the kitchen. After breakfast the entire UNCA crew traveled to Downtown New Orleans, it was my first time there. Some of us visited a Voodoo priestest, walked past the Armstrong Park, walked through a old Catholic cemetery, grabbed some yummy seafood Gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, walked around Jackson Park, visited the St. Louie Cathedral, grabbed a Beigent at a French Cafe, listened to the music played by the pipes of the Mississippi Steam boat on the Mississippi River, and enjoyed some shopping on and around Bourbon Street. Tomorrow is our first official volunteer day and I look forward to the many tasks that we could be responsible for during our time at the work site.
Until later.
Amy K.
Until later.
Amy K.
Monday
The second that it really hit me that I was in New Orleans was when I saw the large X (the bottom number is an indicator of the number of dead bodies found in the building) on the wall of the place we are staying in, an old school converted into a place for volunteers to live (see my picture). After hurricane Katrina, search units checked abandoned houses to see if their were any dead bodies inside. Although there is controversy about the effectiveness of the search units, the Xs are a reminder of the destruction that devastated this area. Everywhere I looked I see the scars that Katrina left behind. People living in tents under the I-10 overpass bridge (see picture), FEMA trailers and trash are those constant reminders. But there are many signs of recovery, including the numbers of people that are down here to help repair the area.
As for me, today I spent most of my time downtown in the French Quarter. Had many firsts including my first shot of Bourbon, my first encounter with a Voodoo Priestess in her temple and my first Beigent (a French doughnut). Downtown is just dripping with culture, and I can't wait to go back but I am really exited about our first day of Habitat tomorrow. More to come... ~Katie G.~
Day One in New Orleans
Everyone was very excited to visit down-town New Orleans today and actually seeing the post-Katrina work remaining within the St Bernard Parrish area. While there were a number of questions last night after watching "When the Levie's Broke", our students were still unprepared for the devastation seen driving into down-town. While areas along the main roadways are clear, there still remain examples of the massive amount of work to be done at every turn. The sheer devastation years later continues to be overwhelming and has tempered everyone's resolve to make a difference.
The work at Musician's Village continues and it was very satisfying for Megan, Erin, Naomi and myself to see families living in the area. Our efforts last year truly made an effort and I am appreciative of the overall efforts of UNC Asheville's students, Faculty & Staff, community supporters toward this noble effort.
Erin and Megan continue to do an outstanding job and have reacted very well to the entire movement and inprocessing phase of our trip.
Steve Grant, Young Transportation, is again our bus driver / transportation coordinator and continues to be a fantastic resource. We are lucky that he choose to come with us again this year.
While visiting the French Quarter today, a significant number of the shop owners and managers gave thanks for the volunteer efforts. They mentioned that is was important to them that “we had not forgotten them” and that “we still cared about them”. It is very humbling to know that our efforts are viewed in such high esteem by the local residents, though I am saddened to see who much remains to be accomplished since last year.
While we will not know our exact work assignment or work location until 8:30 p.m. tonight, everyone is committed to doing their best tomorrow and making a difference. It was very nice having a down day today after the bus ride down, though we are ready to get to work.
The “new” Camp Hope is a very good location in comparison to last year. Everyone has a bed, hot water is available 24/7 for showering and there is a significant number of Americorp staff members present to assist us. It is very inspiring to see the commitment Habitat For Humanity has made to our volunteer efforts in providing these facilities.
I am looking forward to our work assignments this week and seeing how our student respond to this opprotunity.
Greg Dillingham
Distance Learning Services
Sunday, March 2, 2008
We Are HERE!!!
After a long bus ride, the UNC Asheville team has successfully arrived at Camp Hope. The new camp sight looks like the Ritz compared to the other one. We all have mattresses to sleep on, with bunk beds (O the novelties!). It really is the simple things in life that are pleasing! There are multiple common areas, one with a 60 inch television and there are about 10 computers available for use. I think my favorite part is the shower trailers. Hot water is available in them at all the times and from the outside they look like movie stars might shower in them (from the inside, not so much). The temperature inside camp is also about 50 degrees warmer. So much for all of those clothes I brought to keep me warm! Another plus, the walls are cinder block and go all the way to the ceiling! So many exciting things to look forward too!! Can't wait to head to Musicians Village tomorrow to see the progress from last year and then head downtown for more adventures. Keep checking back for updates!!
Megan
Megan
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